Q&A: Michael Timm

Universum

Trainer of world champions Michael Timm says he never considered stopping the fight between WBO light heavyweight world champion Jürgen Brähmer and unbeaten Dmitry Sukhotsky, when Brähmer was under heavy sustained fire in round ten of their world title fight Saturday in Schwerin, Germany. Timm also spoke about the performances of Olympic gold medalist Rachim Tchachkijew and amateur world champion Jack Culcay, as well as Ina Menzer’s upcoming fight on January 9th.

Michael Timm, you had a thrilling close to the year. How did Jürgen Brähmer’s fight go from your view?

“Jürgen gave me a few gray hairs. He lost his focus in the eighth round and things deteriorated from there. It was a logical consequence that he got into problems in the tenth round. But I am proud of him as he coped with it. The people will never forget this.”

Did you think about stopping it?

“Never. Jürgen would have decapitated me afterwards! He always had his hands up and was never defenseless.”

So now can you celebrate a peaceful Christmas?

Not really. I’m preparing my boxers for January 9th in Magdeburg. Ina Menzer is currently in sparring. I have no free days. Christmas and New Year’s Eve are off. But afterward I’ll go on vacation in the Caribbean. I’m happy.”

On Saturday you also had Rachim Tchachkijew in the ring, plus the professional debut of Jack Culcay. Are you satisfied?

“Yes, very much. Rachim is making great progress. I’m very impressed with his punching power. He has terrific fundamentals, which isn’t surprising with an Olympic champion. We’re all very eager to see how things will go with him. With Jack it was an absolutely successful professional debut. The pressure was huge, everyone wanted to see the amateur world champion. We only need to work on his defense a little bit.”

What are Jack’s strengths?

“He is very versatile, can punch to both the body and the head. His footwork is very good. I have very high hopes for him. The people will love his boxing style. But we need to begin slowly. Such a thing needs time.”

What’s waiting for Ina Menzer on January 9 in Magdeburg?

“The same as last time, a world champion! Ina has no more easy fights. Ramona Kühne has already become a world champion in three weight classes. We have respect for her and take this fight seriously. But in the featherweight division, Ina is in her weight class where she is #1 in the independent world rankings and a triple world champion. We’re working calmly, as usual, and concentrating upon our goal.

“I’d like to wish all the fight fans a happy and peaceful Christmas! Even if I’ll barely have one.”